Honey Stone

Snapshot

Shopping with Viola was fun, Honey didn't think she'd ever enjoyed a day out more. Who would have guessed that she'd have made such a firm friend. Viola made every effort to put Honey at ease with herself and show her how to be herself without self-conscious nerves. She was dragged from store to store until her feet ached and her arms were weighed down with bags, but Viola was a savvy shopper and Honey didn't spend half as much as it looked.

'You should wear those pink boots on Monday, with that dress.' Viola laughed as they were sitting down back at home on Nash's couch. 'You'll have to fight guys off you, you'll look so cute. Don't tell Nash I said that.'

Viola laughed again but Honey didn't return her smile. Instead she looked away as colour sank out of her cheeks and her brow furrowed.

'Hey. What is it girl? I didn't mean to offend you?' Viola cried, grasping Honeys hand and making her turn back 'Everything ok with you two? I know this business with Buzz has them all riled up but it aint nothing for you to be worried about.'

Honey took a deep breath and looked into Violas concerned, gentle eyes. 'There's a boy at school.'

'A boy.' Violet answered, he tone lowered 'You best not be messing around on Nash.'

'Never!' Honey almost shouted, aghast at the idea. She was offended now, how could Viola think that. And if she did, what hope was there for Nash's reaction?

'I'm sorry Hon, I shouldn't jump to conclusions.' Viola replied, looking sheepish. 'Carry on sweet pea, what about this boy?'

'Its why I haven't told James, he's so hot headed, he'll go off before I've got to the end.'

'I think you'd best tell me what's been going on.' Viola pressed.

'This boy, Tommy knows about him. He follows me everywhere, everywhere I go he's right there.' Honey began haltingly.

'That it?' Viola probed carefully. Being followed by a cute boy wasn't necessarily a bad thing but it was obviously bothering Honey so there was more too it.

'Its not just that. He doesn't like us, the club I mean. He told me that I need a man to keep me under control and stop me from being abused.'

'A man like him, no doubt.' Viola said, pursing her lips and fluffing her hair. 'I think I'm getting a picture and I don't much like it.'

'He thinks bikers are scum, said I'm naïve and will regret being round you.'

Viola smiled a broad smile. 'We get that a lot. Any of the women will tell you the same. You'll be fine, don't let them get to you. You're doing ok Honey bunny.'

'I hope so. The assistant head said similar things too. I hate that school. Its not as bad as the last place but its still the same shit.' Honey said dejectedly.

'Look, Buzz will be back soon and he'll keep an eye on you. The rest of the guys will be home in a few days too. What did Tommy say about this boy?'

'He warned him off, Ellis did too. Tommy told me to let any of the club members know if I had trouble. This guy's not taking no for an answer though.'

'He been round here?' Viola asked before adding 'No, it'd be suicide. Nash would destroy him.'

Honey looked worried again but said no more to Viola who hadn't noticed the cold panic that had settled over her. Honey glanced at the lengthening shadows outside the window and shuddered.

'Do you want to come out tonight?' Viola asked cheerily. 'There's a ladies night at the clubhouse. No men allowed but it can get pretty wild.'

Honey laughed but refused the invitation. She wanted to lock her doors and curl up in her bed watching Disney movies. Viola left not long after and Honey roamed the house aimlessly. She hadn't mentioned last nights disturbance but now she was alone in the darkening house, that night time fear was once again crawling its icy fingers up her spine.